I can relate all too well, though, we take turns having our "good guy/bad guy" moments.

My latest strategy is to write out all the checks and deduct all other debits from the checking account at the start of the month, even if it's not mailed until the end. I also deduct savings and credit card payments as indicated on our latest budget. I never pay attention to my balance as stated on my ATM receipts, but on my check register, which has everything for the month already deducted. I'm trying to institutionalize this at a household-level, but our finances aren't fully joined yet.

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